Buying shipping containers – buy container

11. 12. 2024

How to sell your container quickly and profitably?

Shipping containers have become an integral part of modern logistics, warehousing and construction. If you own a shipping container that you no longer need, you have the opportunity to sell it at a good price. In this article, we will advise you on how to do this and introduce you to the options the market offers.

Why sell a shipping container?

Shipping containers are robust, durable and have a wide range of applications. They can serve as storage spaces, mobile workshops, building cells or even as foundations for modular housing such as shipping container homes or container houses. If your container is no longer in use, selling it can raise funds and free up space on your property. The fact that containers can serve for decades without additional maintenance makes them very advantageous for many industries.

Where to sell a shipping container

There are several ways to sell your shipping container:

  • Online advertising: take advantage of online bazaars and advertising portals where you can reach a wide range of potential buyers.
  • Specialized companies such as HZ-containers.com: A few companies specialize in buying shipping containers and can offer you a fast buy-back at a fair price.
  • Construction companies and entrepreneurs: demand for containers is high, especially in the construction industry. Reach out to local businesses that might need your container.

Online advertising

You can offer your container for sale in local public bazaars or on Facebook. There are a few guidelines to follow when advertising online:

  • you can set the price fixed or by agreement
  • it is a good idea to describe all the details in the advert: the size of the container, the condition – quality, any damage and what are the conditions of transport and loading of the container
  • please provide your valid e-mail or telephone contact

Tips for successful sales

  • High-quality photos: take detailed photos from different angles that clearly show the condition of the container.
  • Detailed description: In your ad, please provide as much information as possible – dimensions, year of manufacture, equipment, any modifications or renovations.
  • Transparency: be honest about any flaws or shortcomings. Credibility increases the chance of a quick sale.
  • Flexibility: offer a viewing and be prepared to answer questions from potential buyers.

What can be the disadvantages of online sales?

  • you may get a lot of calls with all kinds of questions about transport, container loading, folding, etc.
  • you may encounter online fraudsters who will try to extort your credit card or account details via emails or fraudulent text messages
  • this is often associated with the need to arrange for the container to be loaded onto a truck, or to arrange transport

Specialized Companies – Shipping Container Buyout

The simplest option is to offer the no longer needed used shipping container to a company that deals directly with the sale and purchase of shipping containers. This option can be very fast and you can sell the container literally on the spot.

What are the advantages of buying a shipping container at HZ-containers.com?

  • speed of sale
  • you don’t have to worry about transporting the shipping container towards the buyer
  • verified seller of shipping containers
  • by being in the business of selling shipping containers on a daily basis, you don’t have to worry about not knowing what to do

What is the price for buying a shipping container at HZ-containers.com?

  • by being a seller of shipping containers, you can expect to get a lower market price for the container than if you were selling it to an end customer
  • it has to be taken into account that HZ-containers.com will not keep the container, but will buy it and offer it for resale, which is not possible at the market price with double transport costs
  • therefore, you need to reasonably consider the price at which you are willing to sell the container, knowing that you will have it “without worries”

What do you need to ensure?

  • it is best to take a picture of the container to see its condition
  • and write where the container is currently located (i.e. the pick-up location) because the location also determines the price, which affects the price of transport
  • if an agreement is reached on the purchase of the container – the only thing you have to physically take care of on the spot is to order a crane to load the container onto the truck at a pre-arranged time (in case it would be a 100km radius from Trebic – it can be agreed on transport with a hydraulic arm, where the driver can load the container himself) However, this is not possible for longer distances, as the price of transport for a truck with a hydraulic arm compared to a conventional truck is considerably more expensive.

Mediation of shipping container sale at HZ-containers.com

A possible second option for selling your shipping container is to offer your container for sale directly through our website. That is, we will offer the container for sale at the market price with the proviso that we charge a commission for arranging the sale. The amount of the commission has to be agreed individually, as it always depends on the demand for the current container size, the availability of containers, the condition of your container, etc.

An example of what brokering the sale of your shipping container will look like:

How to prepare a container for sale

  1. Container condition: check the overall condition of the container. Repair minor defects such as leaks or minor damage.
  2. Cleaning: empty the container and clean it thoroughly. A clean container gives the buyer more credibility.
  3. Documentation: prepare any documents you have for the container, such as certificates or proof of origin.

Pricing

The price of a shipping container depends on several factors:

  • Size and type: standard sizes are 20′ and 40′ containers, but there are also smaller or special variants.
  • Age and condition: new or used containers have a higher value. The condition of the construction and equipment (e.g. insulation, wiring) may increase the price.
  • Current market demand: prices may vary depending on the region and current market demand (it is a good idea to get a general idea of what prices containers are currently fetching)

Examples from practice

Based on current market trends, it can be seen that interest in shipping containers is growing. For example:

  • Insulated containers: these containers are popular as mobile workshops or temperature-controlled warehouses.
  • Containers with modifications: containers equipped with wiring, lighting or a steel floor have a higher value.
  • New vs. used: New containers (one-way) are suitable for more demanding projects, while used containers are a more affordable option for storage or simple construction purposes.

Selling a shipping container can be a simple process if you know how to do it. The important thing is proper pricing, quality presentation and choosing the right channel for the sale. Whether you decide to sell your container directly to the end customer, prepare carefully and make the most of the potential your container has to offer or use the container buying services at HZ-containers.com to handle your container sale quickly and hassle-free.

Frequently asked questions when selling a container

How long does it take to sell a container?

It depends on the demand and attractiveness of your offer. With a good advert and the right pricing, you can sell your container within a few weeks.

Do I need a permit to sell a container?

Generally not, but it is good to have proof of origin of the container and, if applicable, certificates if modifications or revisions have been made.

How do I transport the sold container to the new owner?

Shipping is usually arranged by the buyer, but you can arrange to arrange shipping for an additional fee.

Can I sell a damaged container?

Yes, even damaged containers can find a buyer, for example for recycling purposes or as a basis for art projects. However, please indicate any defects in the description.

Recommendations in conclusion

Keep up to date with what’s happening in the container market and don’t be afraid to consult the experts. The right approach and information will help you get the best possible price for your shipping container.


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